Moriarty & Kilpatrick prevail at PGA in Ireland’s 'Donegal swing'

Moriarty & Kilpatrick prevail at PGA in Ireland’s ‘Donegal swing’

Paul Kelly

10th June 2019

At Dunfanaghy, Glasson’s Colm Moriarty posted a 36-hole total of nine-under par to edge out Donegal native Brian McElhinney (Evolve Golf Coaching) by a shot.

McElhinney led the way after the opening 18 holes courtesy of a superb six birdie, no bogey round of 62. Moriarty was right in touch one shot back with Waterville’s David Higgins (64) and Tulfarris pro Simon Thornton (65) hot on his heels.

But the leading positions were reversed through nine holes of the second round with Moriarty, who reached the turn in three under 30, edging ahead of McElhinney by a shot.

The Donegal man fought back to level matters with two holes remaining but he dropped a shot at the par three 17^th, while Moriarty birdied to effectively seal the victory.

“Delighted to get the first win of the season at Dunfanaghy,” said Moriarty. “It’s always one of the most popular Pro-Am’s amongst the players. We get such a great welcome up there and it’s one of the most beautiful parts of the world. One of the most scenic courses that you could visit.”

Moriarty hopes the result is a sign of things to come ahead of a busy upcoming period in the regional calendar.

“It’s nice to be coming into a good bit of form at this time of the season,” he added. “We’ve got a lot of big events coming up over the next few weeks so I’m just trying to keep this momentum going and hopefully keep this form up throughout the rest of the year.”

The team prize went to Ardee professional, Ciaran Molloy who partnered amateurs Jim McLaughlin, Patrick McLaughlin and Johnny McClintock to victory with 183 points over

Bundoran GC Pro-Am

Meanwhile, Banbridge GC professional, Richard Kilpatrick fired a bogey-free six-under par round of 64 to win the Bundoran GC Pro-Am.

The 37-year-old finished one shot ahead of Simon Thornton (Tulfarris Golf Resort) with Damian Mooney (Damian Mooney Golf) in third, two shots behind.

Kilpatrick started his round at the 10^th and played his opening nine holes in two under par with birdies coming at the 12^th and 17^th. Things came alive after the turn as he picked up four birdies in a row from the first to take charge of proceedings.

Home club professional, Adam Dunmore, guided his amateur partners – Ian McDaid, Stan Culleton and Brian Loughlin to victory in the team event with 93pts.